NIGERIA'S RAPIDLY GROWING FASHION SCENE

with Mark Van Iterson, Global Head Design of Heineken

I was shocked when I saw some of the pics online. Well not shocked but I was surprised at the audacity of some persons who had turned up in some street style fashion at the Lagos Fashion and Design Week. How dare they? They were bold and fearless and it got me thinking about how Nigeria's fashion scene is growing and giving room to many to explore. Even without great infrastructure in place in the industry, Lagos is gradually becoming the choice city for fashion events. I mean Heineken decided to choose Lagos to have its first Africa inspired collection and it was unveiled at the closing of the fashion week. I had to be there after much pressure. We had done this three times now and I was struggling to see what's new this year. At the event scene, the atmosphere was buzzing, sessions were on and South African television personality Bonang Matheba was on stage speaking. I showed up on the final day and it seemed so did everyone else, the venue for the runway show was packed. Seats were filled so many had to stand. Some positioned themselves where camera crews were set up. I had to squeeze in to have a good view of the runway. Christie Brown's designs did it for me for the night. The creative director, Aisha Ayensu, an amazing woman by the way used the platform to make a statement on feminism; unveiling a burst of colours, hues, accessories and a classic mix of prints and fabrics to the delight of guests present.
Lagos Fashion and Design Week since its debut edition in 2011 has held the annual event to support and strengthen the fashion industry. This year's edition with the theme "Africa: Shaping Fashion's Future" focused on the interconnection between African heritage and its re-interpretation into the contemporary fashion many love today.
The event featured 48 African designers or 49 if you include the Heineken inspired collection.

Some of the biggest industry names in Africa Maki Oh, Gert-Johan Coetzee showcased their latest collections on the final day. Tried for close to an hour to pin down Maki Oh for an interview but was unsuccessful. That's not the only thing I am unhappy about...... I could not take a lot of pics.

Tiwa Savage performs on stage as Heineken showcases its Africa inspired collection